Childminder in Southend on Sea

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is good

Children demonstrate that they feel secure in the care of this warm and caring childminder. They seek her for comfort when they are tired or just want a cuddle. Children become involved in activities and show how much they have learned and remembered. For example, they listen intently to the childminder read expressively and join in with phrases and interesting words, such as 'tusks' and 'claws'. Children scoop up dry pasta. They carefully fill a range of containers using funnels and cardboard tubes. This contributes to building their hand-to-eye coordination and fine motor skills. The childminder encourages children to solve problems. For instance, she asks them why the pasta does not easily go through the funnel. Children have time to think and suggest that they could 'Try doing one at a time'.

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The provision is good

Children play in the garden and explore different things they can do with their bodies. They ride wheeled toys and jump off crates. Children are fascinated by a spider they find nestled in some stones. The childminder draws their attention to the spider's web to support children's developing understanding and appreciation of nature. Children carefully navigate the steps in the garden. While some children are capable to do this by themselves, the childminder supports those who are not yet confident. This helps children progressively build on their existing skills.

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need to do better?

n The childminder continually evaluates her provision and makes changes to benefit the children. For example, she introduced milk crates outdoors and noticed that children have been more imaginative in their physical play. The childminder accesses online professional development opportunities to improve her knowledge. She explains that, following a training session, she has a greater understanding of promoting children's communication skills. n The childminder gathers information from parents when children first start, to be aware of their development and care needs. She observes children while they play and gets to know them extremely well. This helps her to assess their progress in relation to their starting points. However, she does not focus sharply on how to challenge more able children to learn even more. n The childminder is confident in what she wants children to know and do in preparation for the next stage of their education. She provides experiences and

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need to do better?

activities to build and reinforce these skills. However, where children attend other early years settings, the childminder has not yet established a two-way flow of information to provide a consistent approach to children's learning. n The childminder engages children in interesting conversations and they are eager to share their ideas. Children take delight in recognising themselves in photographs displayed on the wall. This nurtures a sense of belonging. It also provides opportunities for children to recall their experiences to enhance their

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need to do better?

28 March 2023 speech and language skills. n The childminder weaves mathematics into the children's play. She counts to ten with them when children play hide and seek together. Older children share out resources and they check that all children have the same number of cards. n Children are beginning to understand about sharing and taking turns. Even the youngest children confidently say 'my turn'. The childminder helps them resolve conflicts and consider others. For example, she asks two children to think about how they can both sit on a rocking horse at the same time. n Children help to take responsibility for keeping the environment tidy and safe. They put items back when they have finished playing. Children sweep up mud with a dustpan and brush when they come in from the garden. n The childminder enables children to work things out for themselves, to foster their growing independence. For instance, she does not intervene and allows

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need to do better?

young children to realise they need to take their shoes off before they can put on their wellies. They smile with pride when they have completed this successfully. n All children access all the resources, regardless of gender. This supports them to play freely and express themselves in an inclusive environment. The childminder takes children to nearby attractions, such as the woods and parks, to become familiar with the world around them. n Parents comment that the childminder is 'like part of the family'. They appreciate advice regarding issues such as sleep routines. Parents say their children's speech has improved since being with the childminder. They feel well informed about their children's day through daily diaries, messages and videos.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder keeps her safeguarding training up to date. She has a solid understanding of the possible signs of different types of abuse. This includes the risk of children being drawn into extremism or other forms of exploitation. The childminder is confident in how to respond to allegations against herself or other adults. She is aware of where to refer her concerns if she is worried about a child. The childminder recognises the importance of keeping accurate records of attendance to be able to monitor children's well-being.

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should:

n continue to build on the existing good teaching to consistently challenge the more able children even further n strengthen communication with other settings children attend to provide continuity in their learning.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY489977 Local authority Southend-on-Sea Inspection number 10276582 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection 21 July 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2015 and lives in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. The childminder operates all year round, from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the provider received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of documentation to demonstrate her suitability.

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Inspection activities

28 March 2023 We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

28 March 2023 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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